Customers will be able to take advantage of extra Christmas services this year with ScotRail delivering a bumper Boxing Day timetable boost.
Traditionally services on Boxing Day have been restricted to a very small number, mainly in the Strathclyde area.
But this year, trains will also run to and from Perth, Dunblane and Glenrothes, and between Bathgate and Edinburgh, giving more people the chance to travel to see family and friends at this special time of year.
The additions to the Boxing Day services include:
- Bathgate to Edinburgh.
- Glasgow to Alloa.
- Edinburgh to Dunblane.
- Edinburgh to Glenrothes via Dunfermline.
- Edinburgh to Perth via Kirkcaldy.
The train operator is running as many services as possible throughout the festive period, with only Christmas Day and New Year’s Day seeing no trains running.
As has been the case in previous years, the last trains of the day on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve will depart earlier than normal, so customers should plan ahead.
Full details of the changes will be published on the ScotRail website in the coming days.
The ScotRail app has now been updated with all services expected to operate on Boxing Day, and customers can check there, or the website to plan their journey.
Fiona Hyslop MSP, Minister for Transport said:
“When we brought ScotRail into public ownership, we pledged to improve it by putting the passenger in control. Providing these extra Boxing Day services at significantly more stations is proof we are making this happen.
“We would encourage everyone to consider the train for all their festive journeys, particularly where they can take advantage of off-peak fares all day, every day.”
David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said:
“We know how important this time of year is for people to be able to visit family and friends and we are delighted to be able to provide extra services for them to do that.
“Traditionally we have only been able to run trains in the Strathclyde area, but this year we have been able to significantly extend that to include Perth, Dunblane and Glenrothes, and between Bathgate and Edinburgh.
“There may be minor changes to some trains time during the Christmas period, including the last trains on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day departing earlier.
“We are encouraging customers to plan ahead, and check the ScotRail app and website for journey times before they set off.”